Emma Elekwa
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has warned Agunechemba, State government’s newly established security outfit against encroaching into one of its core mandates of registration and licensing, training, monitoring and regulation of Private Guards Companies (PGCs).
The Command also condemned attitude of some agencies shutting down mining sites in the State in the form of enforcement, just as it warned road construction companies and contractors against destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national assets during excavation and construction activities.
Leadership of Agunechemba had directed all private security companies operating in the state to register with Agunechemba as a condition for lawful operation and urged them to comply with federal regulatory requirements.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, who disclosed this in a meeting with private security stakeholders cited Section 7 of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, 2025.
He noted that all private security organizations must register with state government after fulfilling stipulated regulatory conditions.
Usurpation of functions
But speaking during a visit by Zonal Director, EFCC Awka, NSCDC Commandant Maku Olatunde insisted that registration and licensing, training, monitoring and regulation of Private Guards Companies (PGCs) fall exclusively under the purview of NSCDC, as mandated by the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended).
It vowed to step up its regulatory supervision and enforcement as the only Federal Government approved regulatory body on the activities of private guard companies and mining sites.
According to him, “The command is aware of a recent publication circulating on social media and news channels on recent directives by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Community Security mandating Private Guards Companies (PGC) to register with Agunechemba in Anambra State.
“The Command therefore urge the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information which is an abrogation of the act establishing Private Guards Companies, potentially undermining the legal framework for PGC operations.
“We clarify that the registration and licensing, training, monitoring and regulation of Private Guards Companies (PGCs) fall exclusively under the purview of NSCDC, as mandated by the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended).
“Also, it is due to the afore-mentioned roles that NSCDC is saddled with the onerous responsibility of generating revenue to Federal Government.
“No agency, including Agunechemba State Security Squad, can regulate or force PGCs to re-register with them.
PGCs must be law-abiding
“Regarding operational modalities, we emphasize that PGCs are not authorized to operate contrary to the enabling laws.
“Any group luring PGCs to register, document, and be regulated by any security agency other than Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps does so in contrast with the law.
“NSCDC will not be party to any arrangement that compromises national security or contravene existing laws, and would not permit such.
“We also condemn the attitude of some agencies shutting down mining sites in Anambra State in the form of enforcement.
“NSCDC reiterates that, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, it was saddled with the responsibility of conducting Operational Surveillance routine, and enforcement on mining sites, an essential role in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s mining sector.
“The primary objective is to ensure mining activities are conducted legally and ethically, protecting the sector from economic sabotage, illegal mining, and other activities that could harm the national, state and local economy.
“The Command cautions intending miners who are in the process of registering to cease operating, as that has not given them the right to start operating.
Support for Anambra Government
“The Command assures Anambra residents it will continue to support State Government’s desire to proceed with the rejig and revamped Anti-sit-at-home order and confidence-building operations on Mondays, initially reawaken by the command two years ago.
“This aims to protect all banking facilities, parks, markets, and critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
“The Command assures the state government, Ndi Anambra, and the general populace that it shall not disappoint in promoting the standards of living of the citizens through a more secured Anambra State, in line with the Renewed Hope Mandate of Mr. President.
“The Command warns road construction companies and contractors against the destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national assets during excavation and construction activities.
“This is in strict compliance with the directive of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the protection of telecommunication facilities nationwide.
While reiterating that destruction of these assets posed threats to public safety, economic stability, and national security, Maku warned that offenders would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted under extant laws.
“Members of the public are enjoined to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC formations,” he added.
